ABU DHABI – Cultural endeavors strengthen the social fabric, enhance international communication and collaboration, and solidify human and social values that elevate individuals, contributing to their advancement, said Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, the UAE’s Minister of Culture.
In celebration of World Poetry Day, the minister emphasized, “Poetry holds a distinguished position among literary arts, especially within the Arabic language. As the foundational literary form in Arabic, it has historically enabled Arabs, from the past to the present, to express their thoughts and document their heritage. Poetry acts as a repository that has preserved and transmitted their values, pride, and dignity.”
He further explained, “Arabic poetry has served as a source of knowledge, thought, and wisdom. It provides a valuable reference for understanding the Quranic language and the Prophetic traditions. Among its key roles, poetry refines the human spirit and encourages ethical behavior. It remains the most effective method to preserve the language and promote eloquent expression, acting as a foundation for proverbs and illustrative examples.”
This announcement coincides with the UAE Reading Month, celebrated annually in March. The Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), a division of the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi, is hosting a comprehensive cultural program featuring events and activities for all ages.
As part of this program, the Centre is organizing sessions focused on culture, literature, and dialogue, showcasing a select group of writers, thinkers, and poets.
The program also includes various activities, such as the “Khazanat Al Kutub” initiative, aimed at enriching participants’ cultural and intellectual knowledge, promoting the Arabic language, fostering a love for reading, and emphasizing the significance of books as crucial tools for human development.
Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, remarked, “The UAE Reading Month is a vital cultural and developmental initiative. Reading is key to building and advancing human knowledge and is a fundamental pillar of social development. The Reading Month, with its unique activities, underscores the nation’s dedication to fostering a reading culture. Each year, events are organized to connect society members with the Arabic language through books, enhancing knowledge and understanding across the community.”
The ALC is organizing a “Library Treasures Event” to be held at the Children’s Library at the Cultural Foundation and Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on March 23rd and 24th. This event will include reading sessions for unique cultural publications from “Khazanat Al Kutub” and will establish dedicated platforms for books across various shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, aiming to enhance the visibility of books and enrich the cultural experiences of community members. The sessions will feature workshops led by Haya Al Qassim and Maryam Al Jassmi on drawing, Arabic calligraphy, and handicrafts.
Additionally, the ALC will host a virtual workshop for members of the Ministry of Interior. This workshop is designed to familiarize them with the Specialized Libraries Department website and guide them through the process of subscribing, searching, and utilizing the databases available on the platform. The Specialized Libraries Department team will lead the session, addressing all aspects related to the website.
The Center will also organize an Arabic Calligraphy session where calligrapher Ismail Al Hosni will share his expertise and discuss the history of the art form. He will highlight the UAE’s role in preserving the art of Arabic calligraphy and its tools on an international scale. Furthermore, the session will spotlight the importance of poetry in terms of its aesthetics and stature. To celebrate World Poetry Day on March 21st, the ALC is organizing a poetry evening. This event will feature a group of poets who will highlight the beauty of Arabic poetry and language, emphasizing the crucial role poets play in creating innovative and profound literary works.
In a move to promote reading and encourage the habit among the UAE populace, the Cabinet has designated March as the National Reading Month annually, in support of the Ministry of Culture’s initiatives.